Letter: Blessings abound through Holiday Spirit

On behalf of the Holiday Spirit Committee, we would like to thank this community for its overwhelming response to those in need. As our population grows and changes, it is especially inspiring to witness old and new neighbors coming together to help one another in a small-town way.

Due to continuing economic hardships, the number of families who requested assistance increased again this year. And yet, thanks to your generosity, we were able to help all who needed support: 63 Kaneland families, including 141 children.

Holiday Spirit provided each family with gifts for every child and a gas gift card. It would be impossible to share with you the many additional ways our families were blessed by the outpouring of love from strangers. For the hat-and mitten trees that collected warmth for little hands and faces, and the Thanksgiving basketball camp that raised money for Holiday Spirit, we are incredibly grateful. For the civic groups, churches and classrooms who helped meet the wishes on a child’s Christmas list, we are humbled by your thoughtfulness. For the families that bought presents for a needy family instead of each other, we are inspired by your selflessness. To the groups that sponsored toy drives, stuffed stockings and looked for deals all year long, we thank you.

It is truly amazing to step back and count all the blessings we have in our community. Together, we made a real difference in the lives of hurting area families. Thank you.